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Nanotech opportunities abound in Oklahoma

BY THOMAS C. KUPIEC •
Published: March 29, 2009

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Researchers across Oklahoma and the United States are focusing on creating new nanotechnology applications in today’s market. Nanotechnologies are products that focus on control, synthesis and characterization of particles less than 100 nanometers.

Thomas Kupiec

Some applications of nanotechnologies in our great state include the manufacture of carbon nanotubes, use of nanoscale titanium dioxide in the cosmetics industry and use of hydrophobic (water hating) nanoparticles in prosthetics. These applications have the ability to revolutionize sectors of science and technology.

As a researcher, Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative advisory board member, EDGE policy board member and entrepreneur, I am excited to see the direction nanotechnology is taking in Oklahoma. We have the vision, scientists and support of our Legislature to launch Oklahoma as an emerging player in this industry.

National Nano Week, which begins Monday, marks a historic event in Oklahoma’s science and technology industries. Oklahoma will host the National Nanotechnology Initiative NanoRegional workshop, "Regional, State and Local Initiatives in Nanotechnology” bringing nationally recognized leaders of nanotechnology to Oklahoma. These leaders will have the opportunity to tour Oklahoma nanotechnology companies and view the premier of "Molecules to the Max,” an IMAX RPI movie about nano at the Science Museum Oklahoma. This is exciting because Oklahoma is the first to show this film in America on an IMAX screen.

In three years, Oklahoma has grown from six to 41 nano-companies, resulting in a 683 percent increase of nano-companies in our state.